Outdoor Time Calms Hyper Kids

"Nature has a relaxing effect that refreshes the mind and the ability to focus," says Frances Kuo, PhD. She can prove it.

In a University of Illinois study, she had parents of 452 5- to 18-year-olds with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rate their children's ability to concentrate after the kids spent time in various indoor and outdoor settings. After a spell in the green grass, the kids' focus improved significantly.

The "green effect," says Kuo, may be particularly helpful for the up to 20 percent who either don't respond to available meds or have trouble tolerating their side effects, such as nervousness and loss of appetite.

It's not yet clear how long the nature effect lasts, says Kuo, but it may help to schedule 20 or so minutes in the backyard, a park, or other green space before activities requiring long periods indoors. And push your school to schedule outdoor recesses.